Equinor has signed framework agreements with Technip Norge AS (Technip) and Subsea 7 Norway AS (Subsea 7) concerning the performance of manned underwater operations in 2019. Through a pool agreement with Equinor, Gassco and Vår Energi AS will also be entitled to use the framework agreements. For Vår Energi, this applies to the Balder, Jotun and Ringhorne fields.

Manned underwater operations under the framework agreement with Technip will be able to deploy the diving vessels DSV Deep Arctic, DSV Deep Explorer and LDC Technip Seahunter.

Operations under the framework agreement with Subsea 7 may be performed using the diving support vessels DSV Seven Falcon, DSV Seven Atlantic, DSV Pelican and the light diving craft LDC Seven Spray.

The consent applies to planned tasks and work in connection with the repair of corrosion damage to caissons at Oseberg. This work will be performed using LDC Seven Spray.

The consent also applies to undefined operational and project tasks relating to the companies’ production licences and pipeline systems for which a need may arise during the period. This also includes pipelines on foreign shelves that are under Norwegian jurisdiction. The Petroleum Safety Authority Norway shall be informed in advance should such a need arise.

The companies' framework agreements also comprise emergency repair response for underwater installations and pipelines. The PSA is to be informed in advance if such emergency situations arise that require manned underwater operations.

Vår Energi has also signed a separate agreement concerning underwater activities at Goliat, and has applied for consent for this.

Aker BP has signed a framework agreement with Subsea 7 for the performance of MUO. Operations under this framework agreement may be undertaken using the diving support vessels DSV Seven Falcon and DSV Seven Atlantic.

We have now granted the companies consent for manned underwater operations in conformity with the applications.